John Derlis
(Impact Live)
Charlene Calwell
(The Travel Agent Next Door)
MY STORY: Rockin' & Rolling to a Longer, Healthier Life by Embracing Wellness!
Not only is life short, it’s precious, and I had been neglecting my health for far too long. Today, I want to share my story and help others who may be in a similar situation, realizing the need for a drastic lifestyle overhaul.
For over three decades, the hospitality and entertainment industry has been my home. The adrenaline rush, fast pace and indulgences were part of my everyday life. As enjoyable as it was, it took a significant toll on my health, both physically and mentally. I often had long working hours, over-consumed unhealthy food and alcohol, and neglected important self-care practices.
THE HEALTH SCARE In 2021, I was 55 years old. I had caught covid a couple of times, and I started to suffer from an annoying hack and what felt like mucous build up in my lungs. I thought that was “long covid”. So, I went to my family physician who initiated some scans, and the results came back with healthy lungs but seriously poor gut health with cysts, spots, fatty liver, and dangerous visceral fat pressuring my vital organs.
My family physician referred me to a specialist who continued to monitor the danger areas until it got to the point that some discussions of surgery were being potentially recommended. It was time to make some drastic changes in my life.
In 2022, I took on a sales and marketing position with Canadian Boat Shows. That was a stress filled position with long hours and a long commute. It involved too much desk time sitting on my ass, eating too much fast-food, and basically doing the opposite of what was recommended. That resulted in my hypertension slowly getting worse (averaging 165 / 92) – but we all need to make a living, right?
First quarter of 2023 at the age of 57, upon receiving my annual Abdomen MRI, I was faced with a growing cyst in the worst spot possible - my pancreas. My life was thrown into a real fear - a fear of the possibility it could end early and terribly with the dreaded C word.
This was the point that I had to face reality. I turned things around and I made some drastic life changes. I’ve since lost 35 pounds and have gotten ripped inside and out. (some of my friends have been very nice to notice and compliment me this past summer - thank you!). How did I get these results? Check the “How to Tips" in ABOUT Impact Life.
Anyway, just so my mother (who is probably reading this right now) doesn’t freak out - I was able to improve my gut health and reduce the risks, including pancreatic cyst size and I was told to keep up the great work with my next scheduled MRI in the first quarter of 2024. (I will update this article with the results.)
The reason for sharing my story is mainly because I am part of a very large demographic that LIVES LARGE – Not always eating healthy, over consuming alcohol, and sometimes recklessly having too much fun - on land or water! It took this serious health scare to steer my ship in the right direction. Now, I believe that my chance of a healthier and longer soon-to-come retirement are much higher.
I want to help as many people as possible to make positive changes in their lives – to help prevent the onset of disease and to live a healthier, longer life. If you see yourself in my words (I bet that you do) then I encourage you to take action now. It’s much better to do that BEFORE your doctor tells you to.
Overcoming A Health Scare: The Importance of Drastic Lifestyle Changes (Read "My Story")